A clinical study on radio frequency ablation for the treatment of hepatic carcinoma / 中华普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective　To evaluate the results and feasibility of US-guided radio-frequency(RF) ablation for the treatment of primary or secondary liver tumors.Method　180 patients with liver tumor were treated with percutaneous ultrasound-guided RF ablation.RF was applied by a frequency at 10W with an increase of 10W every other minute until 90W for a total of 15 minutes,using single or multi puncture method.After RF treatment,the α-fetoprotein(AFP) level was examined,the ultrasonograph,computered tomography(CT),biopsy were performed.Results　In those with abnormal pretreatment AFP level,1 week after RF treatment AFP returned to normal in 119/153(77.8%)patients;2-4 weeks later or after the second treatment AFP drops to normal in 144/153(94.1%) patients.Tumors failed to grow or shrank in size,some underwent liquefaction on CT and ultrasound follow-up.The biopsy results of the treated lessions showed necrosis accompanied with microvessel thrombosis.Abdominal pain disappeared or relieved in 121/142(85.2%) patients.Ascites and temporary jaundice occured in 26/180(14.4%),and 16/180(8.9%) patients,respectively.Conclusion　RF ablation is a mini-invasive,safe,effective treatment for primary and secondary liver tumor.